Russia and Ukraine launch major attacks on each other on Friday, as a two-day ceasefire declared unilaterally by Moscow ahead of its World War II commemorations appears to be falling apart, according to multiple reports. The ceasefire, announced by Russia to protect events connected to the Kremlin’s WWII remembrance, is in effect during the period leading up to the commemorations, but fighting continues. France 24 and RFI both describe the truce as largely ineffective amid ongoing strikes.
Ukraine says Russian President Vladimir Putin uses the pause in fighting to facilitate the staging of the grand military parade on Red Square on Saturday, suggesting Moscow’s ceasefire is tactical rather than aimed at a broader halt in hostilities. The reports characterize the exchanges of attacks as occurring despite Russia’s announcement of the unilateral two-day truce. All accounts focus on the timing of the violence around the commemorations and the dispute over the purpose of Moscow’s declared pause.
